Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the region of the aortic bifurcation. The two-balloon technique with results and long-term follow-up study.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of lesions located at the bifurcation of vessels, especially the aortic bifurcation, has been considered contraindicated because of possible occlusion or embolization of the contralateral vessel. With the evolution of angioplasty techniques and the development of new balloon catheters, these lesions can now be successfully treated with the kissing balloon technique. This technique was used to dilate 61 atherosclerotic vascular lesions in 32 patients with vascular insufficiency. The procedure was successful in 58 atherosclerotic stenoses in 30 patients. Because of the high blood flow and large size of these vessels, beneficial clinical results can be anticipated following successful dilatation. Follow-up study, extending for as long as 53 months, suggests the durability of the procedure and that the kissing balloon technique should be considered as a viable alternative to surgery in dilatable lesions of the aortic bifurcation.